MAY 2007 – ISSUE 282



MAY 2007 – ISSUE 282

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OH SO SHARPE!

The Lea Valley Recreational Park staged the first ever athletics meeting on the new outdoor track at Picketts Lock in Ponders End on Saturday 14th April, the curtain raiser being the 3,000 metres’ walk. In an impressive stadium, recent officially declared open by the Secretary of State Tessa Jowell and Olympic bid supremo Lord Coe, it was Ilford’s hard working Walking Secretary DAVE SHARPE who from the ‘off’ immediately moved to head the field in oppressive conditions. He maintained pole position from gun-to-tape, which he broke in 16 minutes and 22.4 seconds, becoming the inaugural victor at the venue. The timing means something as Sharpie also becomes the first track record holder! Sharpe had some 32 seconds in hand over Essex based former European and Commonwealth Games athlete AMOS SEDDON. Ilford official MIKE CROFT was appointed Chief Walking Judge for the opening event.

Also walking was 4th placed MICK BARNBROOK, who clocked 19.28.8. This true sportsman forsook most of his warm-up to assist a luckless golfer who’d lost his ball on the adjacent course. His efforts were appreciated as it was the Ilford man who found the missing ball.

After the race, some had a spin around the indoor track. It has steep banked turns on the corners and those seeking to overcome Battersea Park’s cambers in July’s joint 50K/100 Miles races, could do no worse than to get in some training here.

REPORTS DAVE KATES

On the warmest weekend of the year so far, temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius greeted walkers at the start line of the UKA/RWA National 20km Championships at Coventry on Saturday 14th April. Faced with both torrid weather conditions and the added blow of losing their captain, Dave Kates, laid low with a chest virus the night before the Ilford Team adopted a patient approach, leaving their attack until late in the race. These tactics paid dividends with Ilford achieving the National Team Silver medals behind Nuneaton Harriers and finishing comfortably ahead of Birchfield. Leading in the Ilford Team was their current highly UK ranked athlete Scott Davis. Recent efforts over 30k in the Isle of Man where he was 2nd to the star Irish International, Colin Griffin and a commendable 17th over 50kms in a top European Meet in Slovakia were still very much in his legs so Davis did not anticipate a fast time. The endurance work from those events was to pay off however in the heat of Coventry. As the faster early pacemakers began to wilt, the cautious approach paid off and Davis moved through the field from 10th up to 4th. Ahead of him Nuneaton’s Commonwealth Games representative Andy Penn now led the field and was to finish 1st in 95.24 with the Isle of Man’s Peter Kaneen holding on to 2nd in 100.46. The strong surge from Davis continued and in the last 2kms he took a full minute out of both Kaneen and Wolverhampton’s Steve Hollier 3rd in 102.29. He was denied a podium finish simply through running out of road but his 4th place in 103.03 gave the Ilford Team the platform it needed. They did not disappoint with Steve Uttley in particular turning in a terrific performance to finish 11th in 117.01. Behind him and continuing his recent improvement was Lawrence Dordoy 14th in 2hrs 05.05. Closing in for Ilford was the reliable former GB International Bob Dobson in 2hrs 10.42.

FIRST CLASS COACH

Ilford’s MICKY SUTTON appears in both running and walking races, and he’s recently been getting some excellent coaching from another Past Essex County President MEL BATTY. The former world record holder (for 10 Miles), sports shop proprietor, publican, television media man, Council Recreation Manager and staunch Arsenal supporter is also remembered for giving walking good coverage when he was a reporter on the Evening Echo.

ISLE OF MAN GETS NEARER

Essex walkers have frequently raced on the IOM, where a number of important events are staged. For air travellers, 14 different mainland airports have scheduled services to the IOM. Now there’s one more, which will benefit travellers from Metropolitan Essex. In April EUROMANX started flying the route to-and-from LONDON CITY AIRPORT. Book on 0870 – 027 – 5267 or visit

HERE AND THERE

Like the RWA itself, LANCASHIRE WALKING CLUB also celebrate their Centenary in 2007. So if our readers want to head north to Blackpool’s Stanley Park Leisure Centre on Saturday 14th July and set their alarms for a 7 am start, they can race simultaneously over 50k and 50 miles. They can revive themselves at a post race Mayor’s Reception Buffet where quality awards are to be presented. £10 covers both racing and socialising. Details from Mr. R. Maxwell on 0161-798-8287.

If you want to head south on Sunday 2nd September to Guernsey you can pass every church on the island as you complete a large 19.4 miles undulating loop – starting and finishing on St. Peter Port’s South Esplanade at 9 am (women) and 9.30 am (men). Here also, quality awards are handed out at a post race reception. £5 entry fee. Details from Mrs. Jayne Le Noury on 01481 – 246865 or from the Minister for Mainland Development Mick Barnbrook (both of Sarnia WC).

RACING FOR THE RANK-AND-FILE

Those not selected for the EUROPEAN CUP OF RACE WALKING at ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPA on Sunday May 20th can still appear on the hallowed Victoria Park course. On Saturday May 19th there’s a HEALTH WALK (open to the general public) at 14.30 hrs, a 1 lap under 13s race at 17.00 hrs and a 3K Open race over 4 circuits at 17.15 hrs. Entry fee = £3 (cheques payable to RWA Leamington 2007). Please mail to: Mrs. Ann Smith, Fir Trees, Frog Lane, BALSALL COMMON, West Midlands. CV7 7FP

OPENING CEREMONY

This will be after the 3K race, and is set for 6 pm. Plenty of great names, dignitaries and the razzle-dazzle and razzamatazz of a town band and a singer.

TIMETABLE FOR LEAMINGTON SPA

8.00 a.m. Senior Men 50k

9.00 a.m. Junior Men 10K

10.00 a.m. Junior Women 10K

1.30 p.m. Senior Women 20K

3.30 p.m. Senior Men 50K

SCOTT WALKS ON WATER

Ilford’s reigning UK 50 Kilometres Walking Champion SCOTT DAVIS travelled to Dudince in Slovakia for March’s International race over that distance – which is 31 miles and 121 yards to the non-metrically aligned! Held over a 2 kilometre circuit the event was bedevilled by appalling weather, which tempted 17 of the 63 entrants to withdraw before the starter had performed his duty! For days rain had lashed the course and marshals had to sweep the circuits with brooms to clear away huge puddles before action could commence. In temperatures of around 8 degrees C, their efforts merely made conditions slightly easier as the whole course soon became covered again with large puddles. Davis didn’t really have an option of withdrawing, as he’d travelled a long way to face the starter – and he’d also come as a man-on-a-mission! He was looking for that all important qualifying time of 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Davis was on track passing 10K in 52.45 and showing little signs of the injury which had occurred when he’d turned over on an ankle while racing during the New Year period. Progress continued to a 1.45.28 timing as he raced past the 20K marker and then 2.48.45 as he raced through 30K. But the low temperature, rain sodden course and the chill factor ‘kicked-in’ and Davis began to lose time before finishing in 17th position clocking a personal best 4 hours 35 minutes and 4 seconds among World Class opponents. Indeed some 20 of the experienced starters failed to trouble the timekeeper on the finishing line! Davis has clearly posted a sign that better times lie ahead for the 30 year old inform Ilford AC athlete.

EMAILS EDBANGER aka ED SHILLABEER

Obviously Davis was scooting along! So it was 8 C was it? It was not so much the rain causing problems as the wind which must have brought the chill factor down to zero, despite gloves and long sleeves. Barbara said long johns should have been allowed!

Seriously, Scott powered through the wind very well, as must Colin Griffin have done to post his 3.51.32. Rodders gets credit for guts to stick it out to 5.02 ish and the other Steve gets credit for brains in knowing when damage limit becomes the priority, as for Edbanger, weeelll….although actually the organisers sent Slavka to personally invite him back next year, another Slovak bigwig ‘waylaid’ him to congratulate him on his 30k, and a representative of the Hungarian officials invited him to their meet in September so silver linings in the cloud! Overall a fun weekend!

EMAILS MIKE HINTON

Hello Dave,

Well done to Scott Davis on his 50kms effort just a shame that the weather conditions did not allow him to get that sub 4-20 qualifying mark. Are there many other opportunities for him to try again?

As for me I have managed to start training again, very slowly. Hopefully if things go as they are and I build up gradually, perhaps I will be able to turn out end of April/early May.

I trust you are keeping well, all the best MIKE.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL HONOURS

The previous issues asked all current and former Basildon walkers to provide details of their International appearances and National titles. Past Essex President and Commonwealth Games 10,000 Metres Champion EAMONN MARTIN’s email address was made available for responses. But…..some haven’t got email. So here’s Eamonn’s other contact details: MIRA LIMITED, 1 Quatro Park, Paycocke Road, BASILDON, Essex SS14 3GH.

ANOTHER AWARD FOR CATH

Loughton AC’s CATH DUHIG has again become the regional Sportswoman-of-the-Year for her area around King’s Lynn, narrowly pipping Junior International hammer thrower MEGAN BOON. Again we congratulate Cath on her award, and we reproduce the nomination which was submitted on her behalf:

Cath is a fine example to all Sportswomen of what can be achieved with perseverance, dedication & application. Not a sporty type in her younger days, Cath took up Running in the 80’s & after a debilitating injury found herself only able to walk. And how !

For 18 years now Cath has attacked Race Walking and achieved either National, European or World Honours almost every year since.

2006 was no exception, as at the age of 52, she was again selected for the Full Senior England long distance walking Squad for the European Championships in France. Visiting Bar Le Duc in May for a 24Hr (or 170 Kilometre) race at least promised some continental sunshine. But not to be. During the night phase of the race, temperatures dipped to -5 and athletes dropped like flies from hypothermia & exhaustion due to the unexpected cold conditions.

Cath fought her way through the cold, trials & pain of the event to finish her 170 kilometres in 25hrs 30 mins and place 8th overall in the Ladies race making her part of the scoring England team that are now Senior European Champions.

Seeing this achievement made me immensely proud of her & as a fellow athlete, with a few achievements of my own, I can only stand in awe of her capability to overcome pain & find the endurance to master such a traumatic event.

Later in the year (early September) she once again proved what she was made of by her attack on the British National 50k Title.

A mere sprint compared to the above event. But…on one of the hottest days of this years warm summer, she once again showed her mettle and defeated all comers, as the soaring temperatures saw many others fall by the wayside, she got stronger as the event went on & secured the title of Open British 50k Champion for the first time.

Nomination Penned by Peter Duhig

CHANCE FOR OFF-THE-SCENE READERS

TO HELP

If you are in race walking, or if you have been and would like to put something back into the sport, why not invest in the re-launched Race Walking Association 200 Club? It costs £12 for one year, which gives you a chance each month (for 12 months) to win a cash prize. Each month see 1x£25 and 2x£10 paid out. In July and December there are bonus draws for £50. To join the RWA 200 Club please send cheque (payable to RWA) to: Catherine Telling, 4 Amroth Gardens, Berkeley Beverborne, WORCESTER. WR4 0EP. Further details from Catherine on 01905-458565. January winners were: Brian Ficken, Beryl Randle and Nolan Simmons. February’s lucky punters were Stuart Elms, Chris Flint and Brian Ficken. Winners are notified directly and also have their names published in the Record. All profits go to raise funds for the RWA and race walking. IT COULD BE YOU!

TO ENTHUSE YOU FOR JULY’S 100 MILES WE REPRODUCE AN ARTICLE FROM “A 75TH ANNIVERSARY HISTORY OF ILFORD AC” BY WARREN ROE (PUBLISHED 1998)

The major achievement for most ultra-distance men, however, is to become a ‘Centurion’ by completing 100 miles in under 24 hours.

Bill Cockle was the first Club member to join this unique band of walkers when competing for Valentines Sporting Club and recalled being congratulated at the end of his race in 1937 by Charlie Culling who achieved Centurion status (No. 51) in 1912 also as a member of Valentines Sporting Club. Charlie was later Secretary of the Road Walking Association for 33 years, from 1922 to 1955 and then a Vice President.

* Charlie Culling (51) 1912 London to Brighton and back 21hr 40min 44sec

* T.E. Seeds (86) 1929 London to Brighton and back 21hr 46min 06sec

*W.J. Harris (97) 1933 London to Brighton and back 23hr 37min 20sec

*Bill Cockle (117) 1937 London to Brighton and back 20 hr 30min 00sec

Reg Bond (293) 1959 London to Brighton and back 20hr 43min 42sec

Steve King (492) 1972 Leicester to Skegness 21hr 29min 17sec

Dave Neagle (527) 1974 Leicester to Skegness 19hr 15min 11sec

Alan Barber (535) 1974 Leicester to Skegness 21hr 59min 59sec

Dave Ainsworth (540) 1974 Leicester to Skegness 22hr 44 min 41sec

Tony Perkins (685) 1979 ‘Ewhurst 100’ 23hr 45min 47sec

Bob Dobson (786) 1985 BT 24 hour track race Colchester 20hr 55min 25sec

Olly Browne (789) 1985 BT 24 hour track race Colchester 23hr 05min 49sec

^Roger LeMoine (802) 1986 ‘Leicester 100’’ 21hr 18min 42sec

Stuart Bennett (858) 1989 ‘Hendon 100’ 22hr 42min 18sec

^Bill Sutherland (890) 1991 ‘Ewhurst 100’ 23hr 49min 36sec

David Kates (936) 1995 ‘Battersea Park 100’ 23hr 20min 39sec

* Valentines Sporting Club ^ Second Claim

In 1986 ultra-distance walker Bob Dobson again made the record books in winning the ‘Hew Neilson 24 Hour Memorial Walk’ at Woodford’s Ashton Playing Fields where he completed 126 miles 1709 yards to rank 4th on the UK all time list and in the process set a personal best for 100 miles of 17hr 52min 1sec. Bob still holds the British track walking record for 12 hours with 118.805kms set in 1985.

Both Bill Cockle and Steve King have written interesting articles about what it was like to complete their 100 milers, but maybe it is Steve’s which is of most interest to today’s Centurions. Here is his article from 1972:

Although I had been training hard all year with this particular race in mind, it was not until Tony Perkins and I were travelling up to Leicester on the Friday morning that I studied a map of the route and felt a twinge of apprehension at what I had let myself in for.

There was a tremendous atmosphere in the dressing room as there were many entries from Holland, Belgium and Germany which gave the race an international flavour. What I could not understand was that many of them actually looked happy about the prospect of walking 100 miles.

Not wishing to be amongst those who lose time en route by diving into bushes, I took three heaped teaspoonfuls of ‘Arrowroot’ instead of the prescribed one. I can now thoroughly recommend it, although I must admit that four days later I was beginning to wonder if it would ever wear off!

Sixty five competitors toed the line, and precisely at 4 pm we were off. The leading half dozen went away quickly leaving the following group to settle down at a steady pace. At first the miles just fell away and I was satisfied with the schedule I was on. It was very pleasing to see Roger Mills standing by one of the feeding stations at approximately 38 miles; to know that I had the experience of my very good friends Tony and Roger behind me gave me an enormous amount of confidence.

Shortly after the 40 miles mark a man on a bicycle drew alongside, telling me of the delights of rambling, plus giving me a detailed history of the places I would walk through. I must say that at the time I thought the idea of chatting to someone on those particular subjects whilst in the middle of a race was hilarious. However, on reflection, I think it helped to take my mind off the matter in hand and stopped any tiredness setting in early.

I passed the 50 miles mark, lying in 7th place in 9hr 21min, feeling very comfortable and satisfied with the way things were going. Then at the 60 miles mark blisters began to burst while I was walking, which apart from giving me pain and an excuse to use a number of four letter words, cut my pace down considerably until a comparatively comfortable way of walking on them was found. It began to get a little cold so on came my track suit bottoms. From 4 am onwards a mist rested on the flat countryside which really unsettled me both mentally and physically, as it is the period of in-between, being neither night nor morning and unfortunately my legs began to seize up every few miles, causing us all concern. Getting on to the 80 miles mark I began to come way off schedule and had slowed down drastically, losing a few places on the way.

I was not the only one to feel the effects of tiredness. At one point I became very hungry so as I came past Tony’s car, I shouted for a yoghurt, and saw Tony slumped over the wheel. I got a very strange look from Tony, whom I suspect I had woken from a pleasant dream.

The sun suddenly appeared and seemed to drain me of any strength I had left and at 87 miles I just had to stop and sit down with a blanket over me in order to get out of the sun.

To illustrate how slow I had become, we were all worried that I wouldn’t be able to get going fast enough to finish within the 24 hours stipulated. I had 13 miles to walk and 6 hours in which to do it!

After about 15 minutes, I emerged from the blanket somewhat recharged with the thought of all the training behind me that would be wasted and of letting everyone down. With Roger and Tony’s help I got going again, stopping every couple of miles to have my legs rubbed, then came the 90 miles marker, and shortly afterwards, a gorgeous young lady stopped for a chat, I think for one, two or even three moments, our minds were taken off the race.

Two Dutchmen passed me and I thought I would try keeping with them for the last few miles. They began to go by 9 miles, 8, 7, 6, 5. Just at the 5 miles point we came upon a railway crossing which was down at the time. The Dutchmen managed to crawl under, but I found I couldn’t even bend my legs so I had to stand and watch them disappear. Ten minutes later I was able to cross and from this point I could see Skegness. The last few miles slowly fell away until finally that beautiful 1 mile marker came into sight. Gradually I got lifted by the thought that the end was near and managed to speed up a little. Through the town and 200 yards to go, tears filled my eyes as I saw the finish and I realised I was going to make it, then the announcer said, “just finishing, S. King of Ilford”, and that was it.

The relief of stopping and knowing it was all over and worthwhile was further aided when I was told that I had finished 16th in 21 hours and 29 minutes.

Having a shower afterwards, I realised that having done 12hr 08min for the second 50 miles only emphasised what a brilliant job Tony and Roger did to get me through to the finished at all.

I had now realised my ambition to become a ‘Centurion’ and was greatly pleased by the letter of congratulations from fellow Centurion and Club Chairman, Bill Cockle. This was only surpassed by the result sheet telling me that I was in the England Centurion team of twelve, which beat the Dutch team over this Leicester to Skegness 100 miles race.

Another ultra-distance event tackled by the walkers was an attempt on the 100 miles relay world record in 1977 in a race consisting of teams of 10 walkers, each walking 1 mile in rotation. The event, starting at 9 o’clock in the evening, was held on the Chelmsford track in miserable weather and although they broke the previous record Ilford could only finish 5th. The gallant team, who vowed never to do it again, all deserve a mention, George Nibre, Lou Mockett, Dave Ainsworth, Geoff Hunwicks, Bill Sutherland, Steve King, Lawrence Dordoy, Dave Neagle, Brian Armstrong and Steve Gower. Managed by stalwart Tony Perkins, it was yet another demonstration of the wonderful spirit amongst the Ilford walkers and their supporters.

Adds Hon. Ed. Like Steve, I also used the highly effective ARROWROOT product. Another product I can recommend for ultra-distance walkers is ‘Fullers Earth Cream’. I used it to prevent chafing on my 100 Miles Walk and it worked more effectively than the ubiquitous Vaseline.

“HE MISSES NOT MUCH”

So speaks Antonio in “The Tempest” by the immortal Bard. Nor did Hon. Ed who was in the Queen’s Theatre auditorium to hear those words; for he observed fellow Centurion (who qualified in the same 1974 race) DAVE NEAGLE sitting just a row in front. It’d be nice to see Dave on show at the races again.

EMAILS THE 1978 COMMONWEALTH GAMES CHAMPION OLLY FLYNN

It’s good to know that you are on the case too and I am also c.c. the above as they are all heavily involved in trying to keep our sport in these showcase games.

We at least have had immense pleasure from competing in the games and through apathy it could easily vanish from the games, which neither of us would wish to happen for future generations.

Sincerely, Oliver T.

REQUESTS DR. IAN RICHARDS

Dear All,

As part of the cultural programme and widening public awareness of the forthcoming European Cup of Race Walking we are having a small display on the history of race walking at the Leamington Museum and Art Gallery at the Pump Rooms complex.

Does anybody have any artefacts that they wish to loan the museum for a short period i.e. shoes, vests, medals, programmes etc..?

If anyone has anything please contact me as soon as possible.

Many thanks, Ian Richards.

ian@richards3bs.freeserve.co.uk

OFF HIS TROLLEY

Enfield benefactor PAT FUREY has yet another claim to fame; for he was selected as conductor on the last ever trolleybus to run out of Ponders End Garage. On leaving the abandoned trolley bus service he made even more of a name for himself on the traditional London Transport omnibuses – where he rose to Inspector rank at Cricklewood Bus Garage. Pat had much more humour than the infamous ‘Blakey’ and has a fund of yarns from his years ‘On the Buses’.

100 MILES INSPIRATIONAL STORY

To inspire challengers for 100 Miles success on July 28th/29th at Battersea Park we print a few words from 84 year-old CLIFF ROYLE, who is still an active and fit man. Writes Cliff, “Became a Centurion in 1949 at Bradford in an official race doing 100 Miles in 21 hours and 20 minutes. Training for this involved walking 10 miles to work-and-back twice a week; a 50 miles walk in-a-day at weekends in army boots and a gabardine raincoat to Buxton or Huddersfield-and-back, in addition to normal training. No money and so little to eat and drink!! Trained 2 hours a week on a cinder track with spats on, to get used to track walking. My badge (C148) is my most treasured athletic possession. We were true amateurs then”. Regular readers will remember that – a few issues ago – DAVE SHARPE (C578) also recollected his 100 Miles race (also on a track) at Ashtons Playing Fields in 1976. He also described his achievement as his best, just as Cliff has done, and as so many others do. So those deliberating about ‘having-a-go’ this year, please be inspired by the aforementioned 2 worthies!

CAPTION (see last issue)

A few readers have asked if the photo of Ilford’s walkers at the 1977 100x1 Miles Relay can be captioned. So here we go: Front Row – LEWIS MOCKETT, 2nd Row – BILL SUTHERLAND, GEORGE NIBRE and GEOFF HUNWICKS, 3rd row – LAURENCE DORDOY, the late STEVE GOWER, DAVE NEAGLE and BRIAN ARMSTRONG 4th row – CHRISTINE PERKINS, KAREN EMBLETON, JEANETTE GOWER, TONY PERKINS and STEVE KING. Also in shot, on the right are Brighton & Hove’s Derek Johnson (at the top) and Dennis Holly (in front of him).

COME WELL HEELED

Recently we saw £15 being charged for a Veterans 3,000 metres at Picketts Lock (£20 for those not in Veterans organisations). We’ve seen sites which once offered free car parking now running ‘Pay and Display’ rackets – as well as at some of the South’s athletics tracks. It costs £3.70p for an indoor training session at Picketts Lock. What a way to encourage amateur athletics?

ERRATA

Like all respectable publications, ESSEX WALKER always admits, and corrects, any errors. From the previous issue, Essex visitor and Middlesex 10 Miles silver medallist TONY COX should of course have read ANDY. And the slower walkers at the LPR 9K Yacht Handicap on May 27th will commence their action at 11.30 am and NOT at 9.30 am.

GET WELL SOON

We’re sorry to hear that ALAN ELLAM has been in hospital with heart rhythmic concerns. A regular at Civil Services meetings, Alan was a prominent scorer in the Essex League for many seasons with Colchester, before switching to Enfield & Harringey AC after a short unattached spell. We wish Alan well and hope we’ll soon witness his ‘trademark’ fast start again.

HANDICAPS

Shoeburyness-based Centurion CHRIS CATTANO had a long Good Friday for he’s a season ticket holder at Southend United, who crashed to a 0-3 home defeat by local rivals Colchester United on that day. Easter Saturday started no better as Chris went to the wrong Enfield car park – at the far end of the Playing Fields where Enfield Town F.C’s ground used to be. But once he’d started the 5 Miles Enfield League race, he really got into his stride and won the handicap stakes – winning a Black and Decker set. One walker with a different handicap was ‘character’ MICK BARNBROOK, for his grandson burst onto the course with 200 yards to go, causing Mick to break step – whereupon the youngster was hoisted onto his shoulders and carried to the finishing line. Mick’s grandson was presented with a medal – and so chuffed was he, that he was still proudly showing it off to his playmates over a fortnight later! Obviously one to note for the future! Another good turnout was seen at Enfield – this time in the 40s – despite attractions on offer over the Easter weekend.

THE LONG WALK

It will be possible to walk the whole of Britain’s 9,000 miles coastline under new Government plan. Environmental Secretary David Miliband wants to open up parts of the English coast not currently accessible. The ‘right to roam’ route will take 10 years to complete costing £50 million. He said “We want to create an access corridor so people can walk the entire length of the coast”. Now there’s something for our ultra-distance readers to get stuck into!

FIXTURES

Sun May 6 Inter-Area Representative Meeting Dartford noon

Mon May 7 3,000 metres track walk Stevenage 12.30 pm

Mon May 7 Pednor Open 5 Miles Chesham 5 pm

Sat May 12 Stock Exchange Reunion (A23) Coppingham Arms noon

Sun May 13 Essex County 3,000 metres Championship Melbourne Stadium 2.30 pm

Tue May 15 Vets 5 Miles Battersea Park 7 pm

Sat May 19 Playtex Moon Walk Hyde Park

Sat May 19 Rank-and-File 3K Leamington Spa 5.15 pm

Sun May 20 EUROPEAN CUP OF RACE WALKING Leamington Spa 8 am

Sat May 26 LICC & Enfield League 3,000 metres + YAG 1K Picketts Lock 1 pm

Sun May 27 LPR Open 9K Yacht Handicap Blackheath Park 11.30 am

Sun May 28 Inter-Counties Track Championship Bedford

Mon May 29 Bradford & County Open 50K Bradford 9.30 am

Sat Jun 2 Southern Counties Vets 3,000 metres Ashford 11.30 am

Wed Jun 6 WWW 3,000 metres Ashtons Track 6.40 pm

Sat Jun 9 Moulton Stakes (5 Miles) + Enfield League Moulton 2.15 pm

Sun Jun 10 Great Scottish Walk Edinburgh

Tue Jun 12 Vets 5 Miles Battersea Park 7 pm

Wed Jun 13 London Business Houses 3,000 metres Hendon (Police) 8 pm

Sun Jun 17 Ilford/Essex League 5 Miles South Park 10.30 am

Wed Jun 20 City Charities 3,000 Metres Hendon (Police) 7.15 pm

Sat Jun 23 IOM 85 Miles Parish Walk Douglas 8 am

Sat Jun 30 LICC 3,000 Metres + YAG 1K Parliament Hill Fields 1 pm

Mon Jul 2 Southern Counties T & F League 2,000 metres Copthall Stadium 6.30 pm

NOTES: Non-veterans may appear in Battersea Park Veterans 5 Miles races as guests. The London Business Houses and City Charities track meetings are organised by one of walking’s greatest supporters – former Middlesex County President LAURIE KELLY. He’s retained walks in these meetings despite some really low turnouts and, in recent years, he’s welcomed all to these 2 events. 2006 saw good improvements, so please keep the ball rolling this year on June 13th and 20th.

EMAILS TONY BELL

Hello Folks,

Another hot day for a trial race and no-one got the qualifying time at the UKA championships in Coventry on Saturday. According to

The UKA standards for Leamington are:

Men 50 km Race Walk 4.20.00

Men 20 km Race Walk 1.30,00

Women 20 km Race Walk 1.45.00

Junior Men 10 km Race Walk 0.47.00

Junior Women 10 km Race Walk 0.53.00



states that the following athletes have got qualifying times

50km men - nobody

20km men - Dan King 1hr 29.05

20km women - Jo Jackson 1hr 18 Lisa Kehler 1hr 43.03

10km junior men - Nick Ball 43.36 Ben Wears 44.16

10km junior ladies - Rebecca Mersh 52.27 Sarah Foster 52.35

Is that all who have a chance of getting picked. Surely for once in a career home championship UKA could be a bit more lenient? How about picking Scott Davis so there is home representation in all events.

Any ideas as to when the team will be selected?

THOUGHTS OF BOB DOBSON

“What a pity it wasn’t 4-to-score in the National 20K, as in ‘the good old days’, for Ilford would then have been CHAMPIONS! Let’s go for gold in the 50kms”.

THROUGH THE COUNTRYSIDE

Many Essex readers will fondly remember the 15 miles one-lap course from Steyning, which takes in picturesque Sussex villages. Not that they’ve appeared in the Easter Monday Walk, as for decades it was a closed event (i.e. locals only). Essex walkers got to sample the route in the now defunct ‘Sussex Clubs v Essex Clubs v Metropolitan Police’ representative fixture. And hugely impressed they were! However, with walking going down the pan, the Easter Monday Walk has recently welcomed outsiders in guest capacity. The 2007 staging was a fair snapshot of contemporary UK walking in that all 19 finishers had ‘V’ beside their names in the programme, and was won by an athlete who’s been drawing his old-aged pension for 6 years! So well done to ARTHUR THOMSON (2.23.40) who was a clear victor. 2nd was local favourite RON PENFOLD (2.28.29). Essex were represented in the frame by LAURENCE DORDOY (2.29.25) with training partner STEPHEN CRANE 4th clocking 2.31.15. Having scratched from the card on Saturday, MICK BARNBROOK got through his Bank Holiday DIY quicker than expected and accordingly rescinded that decision, and headed for Steyning. He finished an agonising 15 seconds the wrong side of 3 hours to fill 15th spot. Mick fumed at the finish and said his piece; stating that he would be unlikely to toe the Easter Monday start line again. On a really hot day, he bemoaned the lack of provided water. Mick’s temperature reached boiling point when Steyning supporters handed out water to Steyning participants and ignored the parched Mick. Mick then got his dander up – so much so, that he even thought above clucking the event. Why should this happen, as the guests are not seeking a Championship, titles or even prizes, as they aren’t eligible for such honours? Mick went home a very jaded man” Among the onlookers was ALAN BUCHANAN, former long term Editor of the Race Walking Record, sage of past decades and now resident of his native Scotland. Alan’s son DAVID (a former Scottish international walker of note) has a dental practice in Harold Wood (Romford). Thanks to RWA President PAUL NIHILL and ex-walker PETER RYAN for giving encouragement to all.

EMAILS FORMER RWA PRESIDENT BRIAN FICKEN

Dear Dave

May I send this letter via your Essex Walker, to thank you and all fellow walkers for the cards and Best Wishes sent to me during my recent stay in hospital. It was a far better tonic than all the treatment given when you are low. Hope to soon be back on the roadside.

With many thanks to you all for your thoughts

Best Wishes

Brian

INVITATION

Frequent Essex visitor DAVID HOBAN (SWC) draws our attention to the 100K BORNEM DEATH MARCH (9-12 AUGUST). There’s a local coach pick-up point on August 9th outside Upminster Station (Rail & Underground). On Friday 10th August there’s free time until the 100K starts at 21.00 hrs. On August 11th the 100K walkers are welcomed back and there are ‘mini-walks’ over 5, 15 and 25K starting at 10 am. Coaches leave Bornem on August 12th at 13.00 hrs for the UK via a Calais ferry crossing. Roughly speaking you’ll pay £120 as a walker and £105 as a non-WALKER. Various price differences around these figures depend on your accommodation/meal requirements. All prices include the now-expected ‘T’ Shirt. For details send large SAE to: Dodentocht 2007, 15 Westminster Road, WELLINGBOROUGH, Northants. NN8 5YR. Or see David Hoban at the meetings. Bornem is midway between Antwerp and Brussels.

GETTING UNDER STARTERS ORDERS

The entry form for the Surrey Walking Club Open 100 miles/2007 RWA Long Distance Championship, organised by Surrey Walking Club, is available on the Surrey WC website, http:/.uk All enquiries to: Kathy.Crilley@

FROM DR. ERIC HALL

The Alan Whicker road walk was the Enfield Open 7 in 1957. His piece was part of ‘Tonight’ and broadcast on 15th Nov 1957.

There are about 25 walkers in the various shots including Ken Matthews, John Edgington, Alf Poole, Norman Read, Bob Goodall and many others.

Those ‘interviewed’ while walking included Fred Duff, George West and McCready all Highgate, Jess Hayward and Ivens of Enfield, James and Ward of Surrey AC. ‘Tich’ Marler and Norman Easlea gave background info, at the end along with G R J Withers a 1908 Olympian.

The whole piece was towards the end of the programme and lasted no more than four minutes.

WHERE DO YOU GO TO MY LOVELY?

So sang balladist Peter Sarstedt in 1969. It could apply to Enfield League races in the 21st century. We’ve mentioned this before. Take the meeting on March 3rd, when over half the awards went unclaimed by those whose names were called out. Name-after-name was answered by cries of “GONE”. A few seasons back DAVE KATES wrote about Enfield offering ‘the total package’, and part of that is the post race mingling and chit-chat in the upstairs café. The result never takes long to work out and announce, so please stay just a bit longer. After all – you might strike lucky in the handicap stakes!

FOR FREE – READ FEE

Harringey’s New River Stadium, now managed by Jarvis Leisure (part of the infamous Jarvis Rail Maintenance Company) have now introduced ‘Pay and Display’ parking for users – who used to park vehicles buckshee. Be warned.

DOUBLE POINTS

Not a Tesco promotion, but what’s on offer at Blackheath Park on Sunday 27th May at 11.30 am for the LPR Yacht Handicap.

NOT MUCH ESSEX INTEREST

The Race Walking Association’s major trophy winners for 2006 were:-

President’s Trophy - Midland Area

A.D. McSweeney Trophy - Nuneaton Harriers

Hammond Cup - Leicester W.C.

Sparta Cup - Birchfield Harriers (most improved club)

Pauline Flora Trophy - Wolverhampton & Bilston

A.G. Thayer Memorial Cup - Leicester W.C.

Cyril Evans Cup - Martin Fisher

International Trophy - Nick Ball

Edgar Horton Trophy - Sandra Brown (for IOM 100 Miles)

Lancashine Trophy - Joanna Jackson

Ken Smith Memorial Trophy - Ben Wears

N.B. Martin Fisher is claimed as an Essex trophy winner, as he’s lived for 3 years at Chafford Hundred near Grays. We’ve yet to see him at our local races, but we know he reads Essex Walker, so we’ll inform him that a truly friendly welcome awaits him at such events. Let’s see if Essex can be better represented in the 2007.

“THE FEW”

April’s Blackheath 9K only attracted 8 onto the start line, so a scratch race was staged. Old warhorse CARL LAWTON led them home. DAVE SHARPE was the best placed Essex walker and he claimed a fame finish by lowering his March Blackheath time by an impressive 10 minutes. Let’s at least treble that figure on Sunday May 27th (11.30 am) and give organisers STEVE WYNN and HARRY JEFFORD the support they deserve. Full result in AW/Record.

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

Never test the depth of water with both feet.

Before you criticise someone you should walk a mile in their shoes – then, when you criticise them you’re a mile away and have their shoes.

If you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.

Some days you’re the bug – other days you’re the windscreen.

A closed mouth gathers no foot.

Generally speaking you aren’t learning much when your lips are moving.

Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.

CENTENARY WEEKEND DOUBLE BONUS – SUNDAY OCTOBER 21ST

With so many walkers expected to be in town for the Centenary Celebration the London Postal Region are going to stage a 9 kilometres Yacht Handicap race from The Old Addeyans Club in Blackheath Park, SE3, commencing at 11.30 am. It’s only a short rail journey (15 minutes) from Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Bridge via Lewisham to BLACKHEATH (then 10 minutes brisk walk to Blackheath Park). Even on Sundays it’s a frequent rail service. For LPR regulars DOUBLE POINTS are up for grabs. Wouldn’t it be nice if we ALL celebrated our CENTENARY WEEKEND by attending a race? Ring-fence the date now.

SHORT STORY

Two walkers forgot to pack their shorts on-route to April’s Enfield League 5 Miles – and, to preserve decency, had to purchase some along the way.

HISTORY LESSON

The SOUTHERN COUNTIES ROAD WALKING ASSOCIATION was formed on September 18th 1907 with 16 clubs affiliated to this new organisation. The principal objects were ‘to hold Championships on the road and undertake to examine and authenticate record performances made under the rules of the Association over specified courses and distances’. The first championship was staged on March 21st 1908 over 20 miles at Ruislip and was won by HAROLD ROSS of TOOTING AC in 2 hours 56 minutes and 32 seconds, followed by SURREY WALKING CLUB duo B.C. BROWN and S.C.A. SCHOFIELD in 2nd and 3rd places. SWC with 22 points triumphed in the team stakes, scoring T.E. HAMMOND 5 and A. HUBBARD 12 along with those mentioned above. Between the inaugural event and the outbreak of The Great War in 1914 – which caused the championship to be suspended – 7 such events were staged with SWC winning 6 team titles and HAROLD ROSS breaking the tape 5 times (twice in the colours of Tooting AC, once for Middlesex WC and once for Uxbridge and West Middlesex AC). It would appear that even in those early days, there was a hankering for Club mergers. H.V.L. Ross had a fastest pre-war championship winning time of 2.49.53 in 1913 at Aylesbury. The club MIDDLESEX WC in 1911 was at Chislehurst. Mr. Ross obviously survived The Great War for he won again in 1920 at North Wembley in the vest of yet another club – HERNE HILL HARRIERS, who also won the team honours. He certainly was a proverbial ‘rolling stone’.

In 1911 the Southern Road Walking 20 Miles Championship was thrown open to the whole country and the Association became a NATIONAL one. In 1932 the RWA formed its Area constitution with NORTHERN, MIDLAND & SOUTHERN AREAS (and later a WELSH AREA). In 1954 the AMATEUR ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION acknowledged the competence and specialist knowledge of the ROAD WALKING ASSOCIATION, and the name changed to the RACE WALKING ASSOCIATION – indicating the interest and authority in track walking which by then had been formally and universally recognised. By 1962 over 140 clubs and organisations were affiliated to the RWA, and that number was rising!

On October 20th in the large hall at the Royal Air Force Club in Piccadilly we will celebrate 100 years of organised walking by staging a Dinner, at which we hope many of our readers will be in attendance. Ring-fence the date now.

STILL IN THE RUNNING

Former Southend-on-Sea walker and winner of the 1971 Stock Exchange London-to-Brighton Walk (9.04.32) KEN TUSON will be lining up in the Frinton ½ Marathon on May 13th. It’s the 27th staging of the race, and Ken (from Walton-on-the-Naze) is an ever present!

JOURNEY MAN

Ken Livermore, Enfield’s most prolific walker in 2006, raced in the inaugural meeting at Picketts Lock in the morning, then together with wife MARGARET (who was in the Grandstand giving support) jumped into his car and headed for Coventry; to support fellow Hertfordshire athlete ANDREW CROSS in the afternoon. Sadly there was no happy ending as young Andrew lived up to his surname and failed to trouble the finishing line timekeeper.

GET WELL SOON

BETTY TROTTER, wife of enthusiastic EDDIE is currently ill. We extend our best wishes to the good lady and soon hope to see her at our meetings and giving support to Steady Eddie.

COUNTIES ATHLETIC UNION NEWS

Why were the CAU not represented at March’s Inter-Counties 10K, and why were the medals not there? Explains CAU stalwart LAURIE KELLY, “Nobody even told us it was on”. So there’s your reason! Another CAU stalwart is Billericay-based HOWARD WILLIAMS, another great friend of walking. He’s recently been into hospital for an eye operation. We wish him well. Many times Howard has presented the Inter-Counties medals on behalf of the CAU – and many times he has presented those medals to Essex recipients! Howard is a brother of the late COLIN WILLIAMS, a former international walker of note, who won the Essex 2 Mile Walk in 5 successive years from 1960 – to – 64 (incl) with 13.53 being his fastest in 1961. Colin won the Essex 7 Miles in 6 successive years from 1959 – to – 64 (incl) and in 1967, his fastest being 52.05 in 1962. He also recorded 3 victories in the Essex 10 Miles (1959/61/62) with 78.42 his fastest on the latter occasion. A 3rd brother GRAHAM, another Ilford AC member, is emigrating to New Zealand – we wish him well in his new surroundings.

APRIL IN PARIS

Ilford’s MICKY SUTTON ran the Paris Marathon clocking 3 hours and 45 minutes. Said Micky, “I ran hard for 30K, then I relaxed a bit and enjoyed the last 10K”.

MICK GRAHAM’S VIEW

On the same weekend in April we saw a walker address an official in a National Championship with words you would expect to read in a D. H. Lawrence novel, and at another meeting we had some argy-bargy among the competitors. In fact some bargy preceded the argy-bargy. RWA President PAUL NIHILL was a both events and reported that, at the latter event, “It nearly came to blows on the finish line”. Most Sunday mornings Paul attends an Ex-Boxers Association Meeting – but on this occasion he supported a Blackheath 9K. It almost became “more of the same”. One Blackheath attender, respected judge, noteworthy competitor and former Essex League champion MICK GRAHAM stated, “You can quote this. In my view those who display unsporting behaviour should be disqualified from races. Those who participate in race walking should always do so with gentlemanly conduct”. Mick tried to calm down the Blackheath rumpus by speaking to one of those involved, though the person being spoken to denied any wrongdoing and even named a witness in support of that statement. We thank Mick for his responsible actions and wise words.

“NO ONE LIKES US”

That’s Millwall’s slogan – but everybody likes Millwall’s popular fan STEVE WYNN. As part of the build-up towards his 60th birthday celebration, Steve raided his piggy bank and sponsored Millwall’s game against Tranmere Rovers on April 14th. He had his name in the programme, met the players, went behind the scenes at The New Den and also graced the Directors Box. And…his was at the LPR on the following morning!

BOOKIES TREMBLE

ALAN O’RAWE, yet again, picked a long odds winner in the Grand National, and another good priced winner on the same card. Get him to mark your card.

NORWICH UNION GB AND NI TEAM – EUROPEAN RACE WALKING CUP

UK Athletics has announced a team of 5 athletes for the Norwich Union Great Britain and Northern Ireland team to compete at the European Race Walking Cup in Leamington Spa on Sunday 20th May.

In recent years, Leamington Spa has successfully hosted European Athletics Association Race Walk Grand Prix events. But this will be the first time the race organisers has hosted the European Cup.

Team leader Andrew Drake says it is an opportunity for some team members to continue their development towards this summer’s major championships and beyond.

Included in the quintet is Joanna Jackson (Redcar Race Walking Club), who won the women’s 20k at last weekend’s UKA/RWA Championships at University of Warwick, Coventry in 1.38.34, 26 seconds inside the UKA selection guidelines for the European for the European U23 Championships that take place in Debrecen, Hungary on 15-18 July.

Norwich Union GB & NI team mates Ben Wears (Redcar Race Walking Club) and Rebecca Mersh (City of Sheffield) also tasted victory at the weekend, picking up gold in the junior men’s and women’s 10k events respectively.

Wears has already bettered the selection guideline of 46.00.00 for July’s IAAF World Youth Championships in Ostrava, Czech Republic, with a clocking of 44.16.00 in March. Mersh meanwhile will be aiming towards the European U20 Championships selection guideline of 48.45.00.

The team is completed by seniors Daniel King (Colchester Harriers) and former Commonwealth silver medallist Lisa Kehler (Wolverhampton and Bilston), both of whom will race over the 20k distance.

UKA National Coach for Race Walking Andrew Drake said, “This team is all about athletes who can develop towards achieving at the highest level. As a minimum, they should all be looking at producing a season’s best and some can realistically target personal bests.

The challenge for our race walkers is to qualify for this summer’s championships, perform well and then push on to become athletes capable of success at Olympic level”.

Team

Men 20k Daniel King (Colchester Harriers)

Women 20k Johanna Jackson (Redcar Race Walking Club)

Lisa Kehler (Wolverhampton & Bilston)

Junior Men 10k Ben Wears (Redcar Race Walking Club)

Junior Women 10k` Rebecca Mersh (City of Sheffield)

Team Management:

Team Leader Andrew Drake

Team Coach Verity Snook

For further Information:

Chris Broadbent

Media Officer – Performance

UK Athletics Ltd

Athletics House

Central Boulevard

Blythe Valley Park

Solihull

West Midlands

B90 8AJ

T: 0870 998 6772

F: 0870 998 6753

E: cbroadbent@.uk

W:

WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE

80 year old ALEX ALLEN completed the London Marathon for Cancer Research UK in hot conditions with 6.05 on the stopwatch.

BANGING THE DRUM

Former Irish International PAT FUREY, our genial and generous sponsor of the Donkey Lane event which bears his name – THE PAT FUREY TROPHIES MEETING – is prepared to put his hand even deeper into his pocket. Pat would like the status elevated by having an International flavour to it. In 2006 Pat suggests that top Irish walkers are invited over to compete against the locals and regulars. One top Irish walker already comes over with regularity – the host Club’s Middlesex County AAA Vice President SEAN PENDER. Pat also wants to ensure this heavily sponsored meeting does not clash with the Molly Barnett event for a 3rd consecutive year. So all the signs are looking good for yet another successful Pat Furey Meeting next year.

IT’S REUNION TIME AT ILFORD A.C.

Date: Friday 18th May 2007

Venue: Menzies Price Regent Manor Road, Woodford Bridge

Time: 7.00pm – 1.00am

A full evening of entertainment and refreshment, a great chance to meet up with old friends. Full details at .uk

Gerry Pells

A THOUGHT FOR KEN

Former Ilford AC President KEN EASLEA has suffered a stroke, resulting in a 10 days hospital stay. Discharged on April 20th, he’s now back home recovering. We wish him well, and hope that he’ll soon be able to attend more of our events, as Ken so enjoyed himself at March’s Pat Furey Trophies Meeting.

MORE MONEY PLEDGED FROM ED SHILLABEER

Well done Sharpie and the Allens, would Alex have been any slower racewalking all the way? Great effort regardless. Steve’s time, in uniform on that hot day, also very impressive, my debut marathon (run seriously at Harlow in 1972, the year I switched to walking) was only 20 minutes quicker as a young man so I can appreciate how good that was by Steve. I will add a fiver each to their totals when next up that way or meeting anyone from Ilford.

Edbanger

FOOTBALL

DEREK & SHIRLEY ROBERY, organisers of Havering AC’s successful walking squad in its heyday have been busy in another sport of late. Derek runs an Under 13s soccer side, and it’s a family affair for Shirley is their Hon. Treasurer and a son is also involved. Derek and Shirley recently surfaced after a few seasons away from walking, and attended a few meetings, including the 300th Blackheath event. They also provided some expensive prizes for Ilford’s Christmas race, which added to the festive cheer. When the goal nets are taken down at the season’s end, we hope to welcome them both back to our walking promotions.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Typing/Layout and email distribution, Eileen Allen at TheEssexWalker@, please email here if you would like an email copy. Subscription copies: Tony Perkins, Courier: Steve Allen, Photocopying: Peter Cassidy (for Loughton AC, Havering/Mayesbrook A.C. Essex and Southern Officers), Ron Wallwork (for Enfield League regulars), Val Mountford (for Southend readers), Tony Perkins (for Direct Subscribers), Alan O'Rawe (for Canvey Island and locality), Jerry Everett (for Colchester Harriers), Steve Wynn, Steve Uttley, and Dave Sharpe. Hon. Ed Dave Ainsworth, 18 Angmering House, Barnstaple Road, Romford, Essex. RM3 7SX, 01708 – 377382, dave_ainsworth@yahoo.co.uk

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The Woodford Wednesday Walks are Back!

Wednesdays 6th June, 18th July, 15th August

at 6:40 p.m.: 3000m Open + 1000m Novices and Y.A.G.

Wednesday, 12th September

at 6:30 p.m.: 5000m Open + 1000m Novices and Y.A.G.

(incorporating Essex League match)

Ashton Playing Fields, Woodford Green

Enter on the Day

All Races are Category A

Further Information: Peter Cassidy 01277 220687

Or, Peter.Cassidy@

CONGRATULATIONS

We applaud all readers who completed the 2007 Flora London Marathon, and acknowledge their fund-raising activities in conjunction. If you pledged, please ‘cough-up’ promptly to make their post race tasks that bit easier.

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